Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Minutes of 11/21/2024

November 21st, 2024

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting of the Select Board
Meeting Minutes
November 21st, 2024

“These minutes of the Town of Carroll Select Board have been recorded by its Secretary. Though believed to be accurate and correct they are subject to additions, deletions, and corrections by the Select Board at its next meeting when the Board votes its final approval of the minutes. They are being made available at this time to conform to the requirements of New Hampshire RSA 91-A:2.”

Minutes recorded by: Meg Basnar
Board Members: Bonnie Moroney, John Greer, Jules Marquis
Members of the Public: Dave Scalley, Bill Vecchio, Imre Szauter

Meeting called to order at 3:30 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Informational sheets on the proposed tax rate by DRA were provided to the Select Board. Chairman Greer opened discussion on setting the tax rate. Selectperson Moroney provided information on the preliminary recommendation from DRA which was a tax rate of $13.34. Moroney continued, providing information on how using various amounts of the unreserved fund balance would affect the tax rate.

The maximum recommended retained fund balance from DRA was 17%, leaving $1,561,345 in the fund balance. The minimum recommendation from DRA was 5% leaving $459,219 in the fund balance. Chairman Greer suggested using much the unreserved fund balance to buy down the tax rate. Members of the public and Select Board discussed pros and cons of spending down the tax rate through using the unreserved fund balance. Selectman Marquis informed that buying down the tax rate too low could be frustrating for residents the following year if the tax rate increases sharply.

After discussion with members of the public in attendance and the members of the Select Board Selectperson Moroney made a motion to set the tax rate for 2024 at $11.90, which would result in retaining 11.11% or $1,020,673 in the fund balance. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Tax rate set at $11.90 for 2024.

Chairman Greer recognized Bill Vecchio, Chairman of the Carroll Energy Commission who informed on the status of the town’s application for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to be used to install solar panels on the roof of the Public Safety Building. Vecchio provided handouts to the Select Board regarding this grant and informed installation of solar panels would potentially save the town $15,000/year and would offset the cost of electric. Vecchio informed the anticipated project cost is $151,776, minus a 30% a tax credit of $45,533, a $10,000 NH DOE incentive, and $10,000 from the Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund would bring the balance of the project to $86,243. Vecchio reported that the town has been awarded the grant at an amount to be determined. Next steps include completing a structural analysis of the roof of the Public Safety Building. Chairman Greer recognized the members of the Energy Commission for their hard work, and thanked all those involved in assisting the Energy Commission in completing the application such as the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works and Administration as well as the Select Board.

Chairman Greer announced he will be stepping down as Selectman in early December as he is expecting a grandchild and feels it is unfair to the other members of the Select Board to be away for much of the winter. Greer reported it has been an honor to serve on the Select Board, and discussed much of what was accomplished during his term. The remaining members of the Select Board and members of the public in attendance thanked Greer for his service.

Chairman Greer recognized Selectperson Moroney who recommended allowing Kevin Leonard of Northpoint to communicate with the town’s lawyer on behalf of the town to discuss Echo Lake. Moroney informed members of the Select Board that this would be in the best interest of the town. Selectman Marquis made a motion to allow Kevin Leonard of Northpoint to communicate with the town’s lawyer on behalf of the town to discuss Echo Lake. Chairman Greer seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to allow Kevin Leonard of Northpoint to communicate with the town’s lawyer on behalf of the town to discuss Echo Lake passed.

At 4:20 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to adjourn passed, meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

Next meeting of the Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday November 26th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Carroll Town Hall.